Attitudes on and Beliefs in Alternative Religions of the Students of the Faculty of Philosophy and Religious Studies with a Special Accent on Astrological Religions

Abstract

Human beings have been spiritual since pre–historic times, and it is therefore no wonder that various scientific disciplines deal with the issues of religion and religiosity. After the long–standing dominance of the great monotheistic religions, the modern period has brought with it the process of secularization, and so it seemed that religions and religiosity would soon be extinct. However, the post–modern period has witnessed a revitalization of religion and a bourgeoning of various new and alternative religious beliefs, all under the umbrella term „New Age.“ In Croatia the vast majority of the population declares itself as Catholic. Nevertheless, previous research has shown that a significant proportion of the population believes in ideas stemming from alternative religions. This research examines whether students in the Religious Studies Programme differ from the general population in regard to these beliefs. We have conducted empirical research based on 85 students, using an instrument previously developed by Croatian authors. The results indicate that a large percentage of the participants believes in various ideas stemming from alternative religions. It is interesting to note that many are members of the Catholic Church, and that they read the daily horoscope although they do not believe in it.This research is, despite certain methodological limitations, an important step forwardin acquiring a better understanding of post–modern man's religiosity and his beliefs.